Red Head Millipede

Red Head millipedes do best in a warm, humid enclosure that copies a forest floor. Use a secure plastic tub or glass tank with good ventilation and at least 3–4 inches of a nutrient‑rich, moist substrate made from coconut fiber, organic topsoil (chemical‑free), rotted hardwood, and plenty of leaf litter. The substrate should stay damp to the touch but never waterlogged, and there should be lots of hiding spots using cork bark, curved wood, and deep leaf piles so they can burrow and feel secure. Keep them away from direct sunlight and drafts, and aim for temperatures in the low‑ to mid‑70s °F with humidity around 70–85%.

Red Head millipedes are detritivores, which means they feed mostly on decomposing leaves, rotting wood, and the organic matter in their substrate. To keep them healthy, offer thin slices of vegetables like cucumber, squash, carrot, or sweet potato a few times a week, removing any uneaten food before it molds. Always provide a calcium source such as cuttlebone, crushed sterilized eggshell, or reptile‑safe calcium powder to support strong exoskeletons and successful molts. Handle them gently and only when needed, letting them crawl onto your hands instead of being grabbed, and wash your hands before and after handling to protect both you and the millipede.

Red Head Millipede Quick Care Points

• Enclosure: Secure, escape‑proof tub or tank with good ventilation

• Substrate depth: At least 3–4" of moist, organic mix (coco fiber, organic soil, rotted wood, leaf litter)

• Moisture & humidity: Keep substrate damp, not soggy; target ~70–85% humidity

• Temperature: Low‑ to mid‑70s °F; avoid direct sun and temperature swings

• Hides & decor: Cork bark, curved wood, and thick leaf litter for hiding and burrowing

• Staple diet: Decomposing leaves, rotting wood, and bioactive substrate

• Fresh foods: Thin slices of cucumber, squash, carrot, and sweet potato; remove leftovers before they mold

• Calcium source: Cuttlebone, crushed sterilized eggshell, or reptile‑safe calcium powder always available

• Cleaning: Spot‑clean old food and moldy areas; replace sections of substrate periodically

• Handling: Minimal and gentle; let them crawl onto your hand and wash hands before and after contact